A Suite of Features

Image Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU

About this image

The southern flank of the massive Pavonis Mons volcano hosts a remarkable concentration of channels, pit chains, and graben. The deep channels likely began as subsurface lava tubes whose roofs collapsed as pits developed over them. Examples of this process are clearly evident throughout the scene. Also present are relatively straight graben that crosscut many of the channels and pit chains. These form due to tectonic forces associated with construction of the massive volcano. Lava channels and flow textures are evident on the uppermost surfaces.